What do chocolate chip cookies, apple pie and brownies have in common? They’re all classics.
Each one is a winner in my book, but today is National Brownie Day so I’m taking some time to recognize the delectable, chocolate treat that has been around since the late 1800s.
That’s right! Brownies have been around for over 100 years and they’re just as popular today as they were when they were invented.
Related: My All-Time Favorite Desserts
Here’s a little history lesson.
The first brownie recipe came from a woman named Bertha Palmer—a prominent Chicago-based socialite who was married to the owner of the Palmer House Hotel. On the night of Chicago’s World Columbian Expedition, she asked her pastry chef for a cake-like dessert that could be packed in lunches.
The result was what we all know as the brownie. And boy am I thrilled that she made that request!
![Jill Brownie Sheet Cake](https://justjill.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Screen-Shot-2020-12-07-at-5.14.13-PM-773x1024.png)
While the first brownie recipe was filled with walnuts and covered in apricot glaze, there are SO many ways to make brownies these days.
And if you’d like to celebrate National Brownie Day with me, you can find some of my own brownie renditions below.
Brownie Recipes To Make At Home
Classic Brownies
If you want a foolproof recipe for brownies, be sure to check out this recipe. I’ve been making them for as long as I can remember, but only shared them with you recently!
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These are the perfect texture — not too chewy and not too dry. They’re rich, soft, and fudgy. The perfect sweet treat for any occasion!
Take a look at the recipe HERE.
Apple Brownies
Who says brownies have to be filled with chocolate? I love this Harvest Apple Brownie recipe because you get a sweet and tart taste in every bite.
I first tried these when I was working in Indiana, but I still make them all the time. They’re an incredible fall treat but you can certainly bake them as a year-round dessert!
The instructions are fairly easy to follow and the baking process takes only 30 minutes. If you’d like to see the whole recipe, you can find it HERE.
Brownie Chip Cookies
These aren’t technically brownies, but they sure taste like them! They’re my super simple brownie chip cookies and they make the perfect after-dinner treat.
I’m all about making recipes as easy as possible and this one is no different. You make it with store-bought brownie mix—eliminating a lot of the steps you’d need in a normal brownie recipe.
Plus, it only requires four ingredients and shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Great for snacking or for gifting to neighbors! Find the whole recipe HERE.
Fudgy Chocolate Sheet Cake
If you’re a chocolate lover you’ll be head over heels for this recipe.
It’s called my Fudgy Chocolate Sheet Cake and it’s perfect for large gatherings since it gives you lots of servings.
While they might not be brownies, they sure look like them when they’re cut into squares. To make it at home, you can see the whole recipe HERE.
You’ll want to start by mixing together all the necessary ingredients. After, you’re going to bake it into a 10″ x 15″ baking sheet at 350 degrees for about 20 to 25 minutes.
My favorite part is finishing it off with delicious frosting when the cake cools. It will certainly keep people coming back for seconds!
German Chocolate Caramel Cake
For another cake that doubles as a brownie, you’ll have to try this incredibly rich cake.
![german cake header](https://justjill.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Screen-Shot-2021-06-10-at-4.36.58-PM-1024x768.png)
My mom’s favorite dessert is German chocolate cake… so I make this in honor of her! It only requires five ingredients and it’s super moist and rich.
Did I mention it’s swirled with ooey gooey caramel? HERE is the full recipe.
Pre-Made Brownies
I get it… life gets busy! Especially around the holidays.
If you’d rather buy than bake, here are my pre-made favorite brownies (and rice crispy treats) that you can find at the Just Jill Shop!
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This 12-pack of treats is a great holiday gift for anyone on your list. But if you decide to enjoy them at home, I don’t blame you!
This bundle from Sweeteez includes siz brownies and six rice crispy treats. But we also have bundles that are filled with brownies, rice crispies AND cookies!
Related: Find ALL of the Sweeteez desserts HERE!
Now I won’t waste your time… get to the kitchen and get baking! I’m sure you’ll love these brownie recipes. But be careful, you can’t eat just one!
From my kitchen to yours,
Jill
Did you know I have my own online shop? Check it out HERE!